Former EastEnder loses baby son

Lordan played Lynne Hobbs in EastEnders until July 2004

Former EastEnder Elaine Lordan's baby son has died just days after his first birthday, her agent has said.

James Manuel had suffered from a diaphragmatic hernia, a serious medical condition which affects one in every 3,000 births.

Lordan and her husband Peter Manuel - who married last Thursday - were said to be distraught at James's "totally unexpected" death on Sunday.

Her agent Kate Whaley asked that they be left to grieve in private.

James was born five weeks prematurely last December with the condition, an abnormal opening in the diaphragm which can lead to abdominal organs entering the chest cavity.

Around half of children born with the condition suffer from breathing problems.

James underwent a series of corrective operations and had recently been allowed home.

Mother's death

The death of her son is the latest tragedy to befall the actress.

Her 62-year-old mother Bernadette died in March after falling under a London Underground train.

In 2004, after four years on EastEnders as Lynne Hobbs, Lordan left the soap amid rows over her drinking.

More recently, she was forced to leave ITV show I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here after collapsing twice in the jungle in two days.

She was later pronounced in good health by doctors.